DURHAM, N.C. -- Recently, GoDuke.com sat down with senior Alex Straton to learn more about the the Oakton, Va., native.

GoDuke.com: What is your favorite ‘on the field’ memory?Alex Straton: That’d probably be my sophomore year, our first tournament over at UNC, and we were playing against Notre Dame who had won the national Championship the year before. I hadn’t played very much the year before, but one of our older players got hurt so I had the opportunity to go in really early in the game. I think we won 3-1 and I was able to contribute a lot. I remember it was just the best feeling when I got back, calling all my trainers from home, and my parents were so happy for me because it was like finally I had an opportunity and I was able to really, I think, change the game and I was really happy. It was a great experience.

GoDuke.com: What is your favorite ‘off the field’ memory?AS: There have been so many – all the trips we took my sophomore year on our road to the national championship. We were always together, and we were staying in so many different places, but all as a team. I can never remember an unhappy moment, or a moment of tension amongst everyone because everyone was on the same page. It was just a phenomenal experience.

GoDuke.com: Name three foods that you can’t live without.AS: Sushi, the team always goes to sushi. I really like oatmeal, and lastly maybe something like pizza just for fun.

GoDuke.com: Describe head coach Robbie Church in three wordsAS: Passionate, just because he always show so much emotion on the field. You know exactly how he’s feeling about the game. Supportive. I would say that whether you have a problem in school, or with your family, or with soccer he always encourages you to do the best thing for success later in life – not just success on the field. Caring would just go along with the supportive aspect just because he cares so much about your family and random things.

GoDuke.com: What are three places you want to travel?AS: Mahcu Picchu – I’m a Spanish major so I really want to go there. I’ve already been to Spain so not there. China, and then I really want to go to Rome.

GoDuke.com: What are three of your favorite restaurants in Durham?AS: I like Dos Perros, Gear Street garden is really good and probably Nana Taco.